Training Camp Q&A: Oronde Gadsden
Syracuse football's leading receiver from 2022, Oronde Gadsden, spoke to the media Wednesday after the first day of training camp.
Q: You were named to the All ACC Preseason Team. What do you think of that?
Gadsden: "This morning? I didn't even know. Doesn't really matter to me. I just have to make it happen during the season so I can get on the actual thing at the end of the season."
Q: Did you put on weight since last season?
Gadsden: "Yeah. About 10, 15 pounds"
Q: How does that help your game?
Gadsden: "I've got to get my muscles bigger. My legs are definitely got a lot bigger. They were a lot smaller before then. I think it's something with blocking. My legs are getting stronger so it's not really losing (speed), so not a problem with that."
Q: How do you approach this year knowing you have the bullseye on your back from other teams?
Gadsden: "Every team's going to go at me and I'm going to go at them. I want to get as many yards as I can every game. Score as many touchdowns, catch as many balls as I can."
Q: What was it like catching balls from Garrett Shrader again?
Gadsden: "It felt good. We did a lot in the summer so it's not anything new. No issue with timing or anything like that."
Q: What's your relationship like with Garrett?
Gadsden: "Off the field it's really good. We've gotten a lot closer off the field from my freshman year and even going into my sophomore year. He trusts me a lot more throwing the ball to me. I think I can be a number one target for him regardless of what happens, double teams, single coverage."
Q: Dino Babers has said this is the best offensive team since he's been here. Do you agree with that?
Gadsden: "Yeah. I think this has a chance to be the best. I think it can be. This is my third OC, third different position coach. We'll see how it goes during the season. That's all that matters."
Q: How important is it for this team to have the consistency with Jason Beck?
Gadsden: "I think we've just got to keep it rolling. We started off really good last season. Couldn't stay consistent, lost some games. I think if we start off like we did last season, we're going to be able to keep it rolling."
Q: How would you describe your process at this point in getting ready for the season?
Gadsden: "Kind of the same thing I did last season. Putting in as much work as I can when no one is looking.
Q: How do you step into the leadership role?
Gadsden: "Not much of a talkative person, to lead by me talking. But lead by example. If I'm making plays and getting the team hyped, everyone can roll along with that."
Q: What excites you about coach Beck?
Gadsden: "He's keeping me very versatile and giving Garrett more chances to make plays than last year. Giving everyone more chances. I think our receivers have grown. We have a lot of the same receivers that we did last year and I think they've really progressed."
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